Gwinnett commission considers millage rate hike, final hearing Monday

Gwinnett County officials are proposing a hike in the millage rate to 13.51 mills, which would represent an increase of approximately 2.3-percent in a homeowner's property taxes.

A final public hearing, and subsequent adoption of the millage rate, is planned for Monday night at 6:30 p.m. at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center.

Residents turned out to the first two hearings — both held on July 10 — to voice their opposition to the hike.

"If the (home) values went up, I would imagine that the revenue is going to be increased, even on a set millage rate. So I don't understand why we have an increased value, and now we're going to get a double-whammy with the millage rate going up," said Lana Berry of Lilburn at the public hearing held Monday evening.

"I think it is unfair. I think when you (government officials) sit in your offices, you assume that everybody gets a (pay) increase every day. Every year we get an increase and can afford it."

The county's millage rate has rarely stayed the same from the previous year, hitting a low of 10.97 mills in 2008. The highest it's been since the turn of the century was 13.75 in 2013 and 2014.

It has declined each of the past two years.

Christine Daniels of Snellville told commissioners her taxes have increased each of the past few years, despite short sale homes and foreclosures in her area.

Commissioners offered the attendees of the meeting the opportunity to meet with staff and find out the exact impact the millage rate increase would have on their homes.